Struggling to maintain your motivation? Sometimes it’s best to look outside the gym. Whether you like to spend your down time reading or watching movies, there is inspiration to be had. Check out the following top picks to rev your inspiration and get you motivated to head back into the gym or simply take any element of your life to the next level.

Pumping Iron

Cinema 5

Pumping Iron takes us back to the ‘70s, the Golden Era of bodybuilding where it all began. We see the likes of Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno go head-to-head in an all-out battle for the Mr. Olympia title. Whether you’re just looking to chase that extra pump in the gym or trying to squeeze out that last rep for a personal best, Pumping Iron remains an all-time favorite for many weightlifters today.

The Rocky Movies

United Artists

Every single Rocky movie is known for sending a strong message to its viewers about the challenges and rewards of overcoming adversity. Whether it’s stepping up against a monstrous 6'5", 260-pound Drago, or even life itself, we learn the valuable lesson that "the world ain't all sunshine and rainbows" and to get back up no matter how hard we get hit.

Faster, Higher, Stronger

Hudson Street Press

Ever wonder what the best of the best do in terms of performance? Check out Faster, Higher, Stronger, a book that goes over advancements in athletes and how today’s top competitors use technology to improve their performance. If you participate in sports, it’s an inspirational read.

Fight Club

20th Century Fox

We all know that the "first rule" is not to talk about it, but if you are looking for inspiration to get lean and shredded, look no further. Brad Pitt's epic body transformation took him down to a low 5% body fat to embark on his role as the infamous Tyler Durden in this classic dark thriller.

The Biggest Loser

NBC

If you have pounds to shed and need a little motivation to forge onward, tune into The Biggest Loser every week and watch how those who have been "living large," so to speak, face their greatest battle: Weight loss.

This degree of weight loss can be truly inspiring for those who need a little push to get started.

Million Dollar Baby

Warner Bros. Pictures

Million Dollar Baby documents how persistence can pay off, despite being told “no” many times over. Don’t let the fact that the lead is played by a woman cause you to overlook this one — you’ll be inspired to keep putting in hard work no matter what roadblock you might face.

Practicing The Power Of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

Namaste Publishing

Feel like days pass you by without even realizing it? In his book PracticingThe Power Of Now, Eckhart Tolle gives a practical guide to living in the moment. Reading this book will inspire you to take action in your own life, always making the most of every single moment you spend on earth without dwelling over the past or worrying about the future.

I Am Legend

Warner Bros. Pictures

Don't like to do pull-ups? Well maybe this movie will change your mind. Set in a future where most living things have been infested by a virus and turned into zombies, Will Smith shows us that hard work pays off. He had to put himself through countless hours at the gym to create a body that is strong enough to survive a zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic world.

Ali

Columbia Pictures

Documenting the boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this movie will help you believe that anything’s possible. You’ll watch Will Smith pour his heart and soul into this performance, giving you the motivation to do the same with whatever your own personal battle may be.

The Test : My Autobiography

Penguin Ireland

Said to be a book about family, friends, hard work, and courage, The Test is another autobiography that sports fans will want to check out. Going over the life of Brian O’Driscoll, this book is one you’ll struggle to put down.

Batman Begins

Warner Bros. Pictures

After losing over a whopping 60 pounds for his role in TheMachinest in 2004, Christian Bale had a daunting task ahead — he had to play Batman. Once it was time to start filming, Bale had completed one of the most astounding transformations known to man. He gained 100 pounds, mostly muscle, in less than a year to claim his role as the Dark Knight.

For anyone who’s naturally thin and thinks they can’t see growth success, this movie is for you.

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

Shambhala Classics

Anyone who’s going through a hard time in their life will want to check out When Things Fall Apart. A book that teaches you that when you feel like you’re at an all-time low is when you are most likely on the brink of miraculous change, this one will have you looking at any unfortunate situation in a new light.

Warrior

Lionsgate

In the fitness community, there was a lot of talk after this movie came out. Mainly, most were wondering how Tom Hardy got those huge traps. Aesthetics aside, this is a great story for anyone who loves an underdog movie. With no prior MMA training, Hardy had to spend countless months in the gym to prepare for the role of ex-marine Tommy Conlon, who finds out he’s fighting against his very own brother in a world UFC championship.

KP: The Autobiography

Little Brown Book Group

This book highlights the story of cricket player Kevin Pietersen as he takes you through the highs and lows that he’s experienced on his way to fame in this sport. This book is great for showing that everyone has challenges they must overcome and it will inspire you to rise above whatever obstacles you may face in your own life.

Braveheart

20th Century Fox

The inspiration that Braveheart delivers comes not from the physical appearance of the actors, but more from the speeches they give. Led by Mel Gibson, this movie is a favorite of many as it lights a fire under your motivation to go after what you desire.

300

Warner Bros. Pictures

It is common knowledge that after this movie came out, everybody wanted to do the 300 workout. Gerard Butler claimed his role as King Leonidas by pushing his body to the limits day after day by doing countless tire flips, deadlifts and pull-ups.

However, the inspiration this movie provides not only lies in the physical appearance of these warriors, but in their demeanor. They teach us to not run from fear, but instead that fear should excite us, and that it’s a compass that will direct us to our true rewards.

Remember The Titans

Buena Vista Pictures

For anyone who’s been a victim of discrimination in the past, this movie will help inspire you as it shows a valuable lesson that it can be overcome. Combine that with the athleticism of football and you have an excellent fitness motivational video.

Ultramarathon Man: Confessions Of An All-Night Runner

Tarcher

Let Dean Karnazes take you for a ride in this well-known running book where he documents his experience with the ultramarathon. Next time you’re out for a long run and feel like you just want to quit, all it’ll take is thinking of what this one man went through to keep those feet moving.

Even if you aren’t a runner, this book can be a true inspiration for anyone as it illustrates what one human can do to overcome pain.